Abstract: A knife sharpener comprises a grinding surface for grinding a blade of the knife when the blade is moved relative to the grinding surface and an observation device including a sensor element and a display element. The sensor element is configured to observe the blade and to collect data regarding the blade when the blade is moved relative to the sensor element. The display element is configured to communicate a condition of the blade to an operator of the observation device. The condition of the blade is based on the data collected by the sensor element when the blade is moved relative to the sensor element.

Abstract: A knife sharpener comprises a grinding surface for grinding a blade of the knife when the blade is moved relative to the grinding surface and an observation device including a sensor element and a display element. The sensor element is configured to observe the blade and to collect data regarding the blade when the blade is moved relative to the sensor element. The display element is configured to communicate a condition of the blade to an operator of the observation device. The condition of the blade is based on the data collected by the sensor element when the blade is moved relative to the sensor element.

Abstract: Methods of treating coronary and peripheral artery disease in diabetic patients with bioresorbable polymer stents are described. The stents may include everolimus.

Abstract: Methods of treating coronary and peripheral artery disease in diabetic patients with bioresorbable polymer stents are described. The stents may include everolimus.

Abstract: Position, velocity and direction of movement of a linear motor is determined by a fiberoptic encoder comprised of first and second fiberoptic bundles. The first ends of each of the bundles have their fibers arranged within a narrow elongated slit, the fibers of each bundle being distributed substantially along the entire length of the slit and further so that the fibers of the bundles are substantially interspersed with one another along said slit. One of the bundles conveys light directed upon the opposite end of the bundle to a surface adjacent said slit and along which the linear motor is moving. The remaining bundle conveys light reflected from the surface to a sensor which converts the intensity of the reflected light into an electrical signal. Changes in the reflectivity of the surface, which may be the etched stator of a linear motor system are utilized to determine the position of the linear motor along the stator.